It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a member of our Clearbrook Family; one of our most beloved friends and co-workers.
On February 15, 2017, Ron Martin lost his battle with cancer, leaving behind a wife, two sons, two step-daughters, several grandchildren, and many friends who loved him dearly.
A Clearbrook employee for 32 years, Ron, and his love for helping others, will be forever missed.
Originally from Kensington, Pennsylvania, Ron served in the United States Army and was a proud Vietnam veteran. On September 13, 2017, Ron celebrated 40 years of continuous sobriety, being an endless example of what recovery can bring to one’s life and family.
Being a cherished part of the Clearbrook family since the 80s, Ron was one of our longest standing staff members. Ron has held several different positions throughout the years, from a primary counselor, to shift supervisor, to family coordinator and IT personnel. His enthusiasm and eagerness to help wherever he could truly reflected the character of the man we all loved.
Ron really found his passion in helping the family members of our clients. He was able to connect with them in a way that was truly amazing, showing that at the end of the day, there was always hope.
Most memorably are the stories our staff had to share of Ron, and his sense of humor that resonates with us all.
Sharon Poray, our Family Program Coordinator tells us, “I loved Ron’s sense of humor. He giggled often and out loud at his own jokes. The jokes didn’t change over the years, however, he laughed just as hard which got everyone else laughing. The families certainly needed this.”
She went on to mention their years spent together working in the Family Program. “Once we had flying squirrels in the Family Center and I told him we had to get them out. He said ‘I will take care of the lecture while you handle that,’ a country boy he was not. He was a city kid.”
Anna Mecca-Finnerty, one of our Clinical Supervisors recalls her early years with Ron. “When I was first hired at Clearbrook in 1991, Ron was my supervisor. He told me a part of my job description was patient security.”
Little did she know at the time, but Ron enjoyed playing pranks on the “new guy.” He told her that in order to check on patients in the middle of the night, she had to sneak around buildings and past the garbage dumpsters, so they couldn’t see her coming. At the time, dumpsters weren’t bear proof, like they are today, so Anna spent the better part of a month terrified that she would be attacked.
“When I finally asked him if there was a better way of doing rounds, he laughed hysterically at me. That was just the kind of sense of humor Ron had.”
Anna also said, “Ron was the kind of guy that would go wherever he was needed. He was around so long, that he could really do any job in the place. He was always willing to help.”
His friendship and selfless acts of kindness will be what we remember most, and hold closest to our hearts.
Ron, you will forever be missed, but your memory and spirit will live on with us always.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the Martin family during this time. We pray that they may find comfort in knowing that Ron was loved by us all and the mark he left on this world will be remembered and carried forward by everyone at Clearbrook.
Godspeed Ron!
